Polk County Emergency Shelters

General shelters: Polk County’s general emergency shelters opened Tuesday at noon. Adults should bring a driver’s license or other government-issued photo identification. Residents seeking shelter should bring medications, snacks and comfort items like bedding. Meals are provided but cots are not. Alcohol is not allowed. Lakeland sites are:

George Jenkins High School, 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
Highlands Grove Elementary, 4510 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
Kathleen High School, 1100 Red Devil Way, Lakeland
R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School, 5500 Yates Road, Lakeland
Sleepy Hill Elementary School, 2285 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland

Check a list of all Polk County emergency shelters.

Pet-friendly shelter: For those sheltering with pets, Tenoroc High School, 4905 Saddle Creek Road, Lakeland opened Tuesday at noon. Only dogs, cats and birds are allowed. Pet owners must bring animals’ shot records, an airline-approved carrying case or crate and pet food. All animals’ vaccinations must be up-to-date.

Special needs shelter: McKeel Academy, 1810 W. Parker St., Lakeland will open at Tuesday at 7 a.m. for people with physical, cognitive or medical conditions who may need help from medical professionals. Special needs shelters provide more care than general shelters, but they do not provide the level of care found in medical facilities. To arrange transportation, call the Polk County Emergency Management Special Needs Program at (863) 298-7027.